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Miscarriage
Oct 3, 2008
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy. Miscarriage occurs in 15 percent to 20 percent of pregnancies, usually during the first 13 weeks, and sometimes before you even realize you are pregnant. If you had three or more miscarriages, you are considered to have recurrent pregnancy loss.
A miscarriage is a heartbreaking event, and the emotional issues involved can be severe. But there is hope. Even women who have multiple miscarriages still have a 60 percent to 70 percent chance of having a successful pregnancy.
What Causes a Miscarriage?
Although a miscarriage can be caused by a number of things, the exact cause may never be identified.
The risk for a miscarriage increases with age. (Your eggs get older too.) If you are under 35, you have a 15 percent chance of miscarriage, but if you are over 45 your chance of having a miscarriage goes up to 50 percent.
Genetic problems with the embryo account for more than half of miscarriages in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy; chromosomal issues prevent the fetus from developing properly and surviving. Genetic problems happen by chance and have nothing to do with either parent. Although this type of miscarriage is unlikely to happen more than once, the chance increases with age.
Hormonal problems may also cause a miscarriage. If you do not produce enough progesterone during the luteal phase of your period, the endometrial lining of your uterus may be too thin for an egg to attach and grow.
Polyps or fibroids in the uterus can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg. Uncontrolled diabetes, an underactive thyroid gland, or infections can also lead to a miscarriage. If you smoke, use illegal drugs, or drink a lot of alcohol, you increase your risk of miscarriage.
What Does Not Cause Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss?
It is important not to blame yourself for a pregnancy loss. You do not increase your risk of miscarriage by exercising, working, having sex, or lifting heavy objects. Morning sickness, even if it is severe, does not increase your risk.
Even if you fall, are hit, or injured, you are unlikely to miscarry unless the injury is so serious it threatens your own life.
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What is a chemical pregnancy?
Hi Marlene --
A chemical pregnancy is basically when the egg and sperm meet but are never really meant to grow into a pregnancy. Your body may be making hCG (thus a positive preg test) but there was just not the right conditions for a pregnancy. It's another term for what is basically a very very early miscarriage.
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I had a D&C done last year after I began miscarrying. Since then my almost like clock-work cycles have become shorter and more irregular. Is it possible that the procedure had something to do with this change? I am approaching my 35th birthday and am also fearful that my age may have something to do with it.
can i get pregnant if i'm not having a period? i've been pregnant b4 and i misscarried. after that i stopped having a period.
I had a D&C done 2 weeks ago and me and my boyfriend want to know when can we start try to have another baby and can I get pregnant right now .
I'm 36 years old. This is the 5th pregnancy for my husband and I. There have been 4 miscarriages at 8 to 9 weeks over a 6 year period. The only option my doctor offers is a baby asprin daily and suppositories. None of this has worked. Is there any type medical procedure that can be done early on in my pregnancy to prevent a miscarriage? Please help me.
You need to tell your Dr to make you an appointment to have stitches as soon as you find out your pregnant this is so that you will not miscarry because it is at n early stage. You should also be careful in early stage not to lift anything heavy or excersice i know people/Dr's say it is safe but if you are having miscarriage again and again it could mean your womb is loose and you don't want to do anything strenious. I know for myself as I lost my baby at 6 months it has now been 2 years, scince I have had recurrent miscarriage 20 times been Dr's but don't get the support or help I need after having DNC it can loosen the womb because they use a pipe to clean you out and you are not awake to see what kind of damage is being done. I hope this helps as i know how you are feeling.
Hello I m 26yrs old .I had missed miscarrige .The products of conception retain in uterus .But my docter adviced .I will wait for abortion atleast one month. I worried about my miscarrige and health.
I think that some of the miscarriges happens because the mother isn't always healthy enough or she wasn't until she decided to have a baby. I used Bally total fitness for a few months before me and my husband decided to have the baby so that my body will be used with the pain and effort.
I agree that miscarriage occurs when the woman is not healthy.Also the genetical and hormonal problems may occur miscarriage.I also have heard that miscarriage will effect in the next pregnancy if it is not done properly.If you are over age than there may be risk of miscarriage.
I had a misscarriage over a year ago. I have not been able to conceive sence. My misscarriage was not because of natural causes, lets just say I had an aweful relationship. I was 5 months pregnant when it happend. I also have had very heavy menstrual cycles. Could there be something wrong?
i miscarriage in may 2009 and bled till august 2009.ever since then,i have had irregular periods.am trying hard for conception,have had my ovulation induced been on clomid for two cycles but nothing has happen yet.please advise.am so depressed
I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease last year after having 2 miscarriages. I'm not sure but I think I am having a 3rd. I did not take a pregnancy test but this time my period is very much not normal. This will be my 7th day of straight bleeding and nomally I do not go longer than 5 days also I have been having cramps the entire time and I always only have cramps the 1st and 2nd day of my period. How can I know for sure that I have had another miscarriage?
I'm so sorry for your pregnancy losses. If you think you are having a miscarriage - please make an appointment to see your doctor. In addition, since you've experienced more than one miscarriage and you want to have a child, you really should see a fertility doctor - a reproductive endocrinologist. When you make an appointment, ask if he or she has treated other women with Hashimoto's disease or thyroid issues. There is a Find a Doctor search on the top right of every page of FertilityAuthority where you can type in your zip code and find a doctor near you. In addition, you may want to check in on the message boards on www.FertilityTies.com - where there may be other women experiencing the same issues.
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